Musicians across South-East Queensland have paid tributes to two Fortitude Valley live music venues, King Lear’s Throne and Bad Luck Bar.
Owner of both venues Ken Parry announced earlier on social media that the venues would be shutting up shop.
They join Gold Coast’s Burleigh Bazaar, which sold for $4.4 million earlier this year to make way for its new resident, skincare company MooGoo.
Parry says he has “learnt a lot” and “failed a million times” in his time as a venue owner, where he is a huge ally of local emerging bands, including Chamber Lane and Acended.
He thanked his customers, saying his daughter is looking forward to having him home this Christmas.
“Farewell. Thanks to everyone that has been part of this adventure,” he says in the post.
“Thanks to the customers that made it the best place to call home. Email me if you have concerns over anything and I’ll do my best to sort what I can out. Take care, get home safe.”
Acended (pictured) were due to play a gig in January to showcase their latest EP, “Sundried Daisies”.
Manager Matt Little says with two of the members being 15-years-old, the venue had been incredibly supportive.
“It has been quite a battle to secure gigs at venues….junior bands work so hard to get gigs. It’s a real shame.
“They were so great and I was so glad they were going to let the boys play.”
Brisbane live music photographer Ben Russoniello, of Green Room Media and Priceless Records, says simply: “Support local, bitches”.
“Seriously though, it’s really sad the rate we are losing independently owned live music venues that give grassroots bands a chance to play for an audience.
“We all throw hundreds and hundreds of dollars at big bands who are already millionaires, but scoff at 20 bucks for some up-and-coming-bands having a crack.”
Bree, from local music gig guide “Breeza Beers and Bands”, thanked the venue owners for what they had done for the music scene.
“You always provided a safe space for fans and bands,” she says.
“Gonna miss the shit out of you guys.”
Several music lovers shared their thoughts on Facebook, with Jo McCann saying: “No punters at shows = no venues.”
“Venues having to charge ridiculous prices for bands to put on a show to guarantee money to pay staff because.”
Jimmy Gigs says: “It’s a new frontier.”
Main picture: Facebook.
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